Big cost puts paid to play area dream

SKY-high costs have sunk plans for a play area on land behind homes in Edinburgh Walk, West Pinchbeck.

West Pinchbeck Residents’ Association aimed to transform ‘The Pit’ into a community play and conservation area but the cost of disposing of contaminated soil from the site, which has been used as a dump, has scuppered the project.

The association applied for a £28,000 Lottery grant – which now has to be paid back and the eight-strong committee will disband.

Chairman Dale Pateman said cash left over will be given to a similar community group.

He said only a couple of places could handle the costly job of sorting the soil and added: “We are talking thousands of pounds. I am extremely disappointed but at the end of the day we have to look after the children – they have to play safe and we couldn’t do half a job.”

He said the residents’ association had had “zero support” from the community.

Plans for The Pit included stepping logs, a willow arch, log seats, putting up bird boxes and creating a central meadow with a pathway.

Mr Pateman thanked South Holland District Council and South Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service for their support.